Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Chelsea, Massachusetts (May 2026)
In Chelsea, Massachusetts as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $3,019 with a median of $2,150. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,154 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,076. Massachusetts freight runs on the I-90 / I-93 / I-95 metro grid through Boston, with Port of Boston handling bulk and container cargo and a major concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing requiring cold-chain and hazmat lanes.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Chelsea, Massachusetts differs from the Massachusetts baseline
| Chelsea, Massachusetts | Massachusetts | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $3,019 | $2,732 | +11% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 88% | 83% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Chelsea, Massachusetts's biggest divergence from Massachusetts is on average weekly pay, 11% above the state baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Chelsea, Massachusetts
Across active CDL postings in Chelsea, Massachusetts this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,247 | $2,050 | 519 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,593 | $1,600 | 327 |
| Owner Operator | $7,409 | $7,500 | 308 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Chelsea, Massachusetts drivers actually run
The route mix in Chelsea, Massachusetts this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 88% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Chelsea, Massachusetts postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Massachusetts
Massachusetts freight runs on the I-90 / I-93 / I-95 grid through Boston, with the Port of Boston handling bulk and container cargo. A dense biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster around Cambridge / Boston / Worcester requires cold-chain and hazmat-eligible lanes. The Big Dig tunnels have truck-height and hazmat restrictions worth checking before routing. Boston congestion is consistently in the worst US tier. Cost of living is among the highest nationally. Massachusetts has a moderate flat state income tax with an added surtax on very high incomes (not relevant for most drivers).
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Chelsea, Massachusetts
- Best owner-operator companies in Chelsea, Massachusetts
- CDL driver salary in Massachusetts
The methodology behind the rankings
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated May 2026.